Imagine this: For years your city’s been grappling with homelessness, but nothing’s worked. In fact, it’s gotten worse. Folks are divided, angry, and fed up. Finally, officials decide to try something new. A group of everyday people from all walks of life is chosen by democratic lottery—and you are among those selected. Over several weeks, you hear from scholarly experts, social workers, police officers, community advocates, local businesspeople, and residents who’ve experienced homelessness. You have respectful conversations about what you’ve learned; you listen to each other, weigh trade-offs, and offer reasons for your thinking. Finally, you come to a rough consensus about what to do. Your proposals balance head and heart: investments in affordable housing; mental health services; public safety; law enforcement; drug rehab; and job programs. Best of all, you’re in broad agreement, giving officials a sound basis to act. It takes time, but gradually things improve. Homeless residents receive the services they need. Crime falls. And the community heals. The government, buoyed by the process, repeats it on other issues. As more and more residents take their turn serving, the city becomes a place where all belong and everyone has a voice. Sound far-fetched? It’s real. The process described above is called a citizens' assembly, and it’s transforming the world.